Ease Kids Back into School with Confidence

(Family
Features) There’s nothing like a major milestone in a child’s life to test a
parent’s confidence. Big changes like a new school or classroom can be trying
for kids and adults alike, but tackling the transition a little at a time can
make it easier on everyone.

Most parents agree that being confident is important, but only about 1 in 3 parents feels confident on a typical day, according to KinderCare’s Parent Confidence Report. However, experts say your own feelings can impact youngsters.

Whether your child is making a big change like stepping up
from pre-K into kindergarten or entering a new grade in the same building,
there’s likely to be some trepidation. However, each
child is different, which means reactions to change can vary.

Some kids show up ready and raring
to go, eager to explore and meet new friends, while others can be a little
clingy, tearful or even refuse to look at the teacher or take a step through
the door.

If
you think your child might have trouble making the transition, consider these
strategies from the experts at KinderCare to help ease both of you into a more
comfortable place and build confidence for a successful school year.

Set up classroom visits before
school starts. Sometimes fear comes from the
unknown. By visiting ahead of time and seeing firsthand, your child can become
familiar with the layout of the classroom, meet the teachers and know what to
expect, which can help alleviate some of the anxiety and jitters.

Talk with your child’s teacher about
the transition. Your child’s teacher should be
your partner, so be open and honest from the start. Talk about how your child
handles change, what causes stress or what behaviors the teacher might
expect. Don’t be afraid to call and ask for updates on your child to see how
things are going. Set up regular check-ins over the next few weeks to talk
about any additional support your child may need.

Avoid sneaking away from your
child at drop-off. Talk about
what will happen ahead of time and create a consistent and predictable drop-off ritual, such as two high-fives, a hug and a wave from the
window, to ensure your child feels secure and safe. Continue this routine
every day to help your child get used to the classroom environment and make
sure the process is a quick, happy one. While you’re typically welcome in most
classrooms, lingering too long can make it harder on your child once you do
leave.

Be enthusiastic. Just like laughter, excitement is
contagious. Rather than focus on nerves or uncertainty, share your own memories
from school including how you felt at the beginning of a new school year and
the excitement of learning and meeting new friends, which can help your child
get hyped up, too.

Set up a work station at home. Creating a designated space at home for your little learner
to do homework, read, write, draw and complete art projects can help set him or
her up to develop good study habits. Stock this station with colored paper,
crayons and markers, pencils, glue sticks, scissors, books, stickers and other
necessary tools, and leave room for stowing a backpack. Encourage your child to
spend time working on educational endeavors in the space each night.

View the full Parent Confidence Report and find more advice to help ease your child’s way into the school year at KinderCare.com.

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